Kipps (Penguin Classics)
by H.G. Wells
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Book Summary Information
Author: H.G. WellsEditor: Simon James
Introduction: David Lodge
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2005-12-27
ISBN: 0141441100
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Book Reviews of Kipps (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: Brilliantly witty, highly entertaining novel.
Summary: 5 Stars
Kipps was my first excursion into the (very large) world of non-science fiction Wells. Before I received this novel for Christmas, I had never even known that Wells wrote books other than sci-fi. I was already impressed with the well-known books of Wells, such as the Time Machine, War of the Worlds, etc., and was excited to read something of his other works.
Kipps is the story of a lower-class young man who finds out that he has been left a great deal of wealth. With this acquisition, he begins the struggle to learn how to live in the upper-class. Many humorous events take place, as he tries his best to avoid society, and when forced to face it, stumbles and embarrasses himself considerably. Through it all, though, we see a struggling and not-too-smart man doing his best to live a fulfilling life - and learning what it really means to be satisfied.
Wells writing style here is brilliant, filled with a distinctively British humor that I learned to love watching old episodes of Jeeves and Wooster. The characters, their dialog, and the narrator all add to the excellently portrayed humor.
Humor is not the only aspect which makes this novel so great. The very believable plot, with its startling twists and turns, is captivating. At times I nearly wanted to turn ahead in the book to find out what was to happen next. Wells has a tormenting way of hinting about what will happen next, without revealing anything, so that the suspense is heightened even more. I never found the book boring or dry, but always very interesting.
Near the end of the book I encountered a very different passage which deviated from the humor and made a very serious and relevant point. The book's introduction seems to say that this passage nearly ruins the book, but in my opinion it only strengthens the book and deepens its meaning.
If you have yet to experience this side of Wells, I highly encourage you to do so. Not only will you experience the great wit of his, but also his wonderfully British writing style and his interesting points about society which still apply today.
5 stars, through and through.
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